THE Pier appears at its very best today

Smiling under a glorious winter azure sky,

Staring out onto a placid blue channel.

Old-timers rest on wooden benches

Enjoying the sumptuous sunshine.

I stroll contentedly along the boards,

Watch a man and dog on the pebbled beach,

Try to catch the sun but it’s out of reach!

We must cherish these blue December days

Before the drab greyness descends again.

This is not a sad place anymore,

Crowds are back, some in the Pier cafe

Mesmerised by the stunning view

Or admiring Christmas art by children.

One year on and the Pavilion looks grand

And long after I’ve gone it will still stand.

Youngsters chase screeching children

Who are the same hue as the Pier

As people buy chips and ice-cream

And all is well with the world

So my stress melts like the morning frost,

Blows away to the Somerset hills.

It deserves to be the “Pier of the Year,”

So happy birthday – Pavilion Pier.

Guy Fletcher

Pantmawr

Cardiff